From Gil McGowan and Siobhan Vipond, President and Secretary Treasurer of the Alberta Federation of Labour

The AFL strongly condemns the murder of 49 Muslim worshippers at the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Masjid Mosques in New Zealand and sends our deepest condolences to everyone affected. We are deeply shocked by this act of extreme violence and hatred.

These attacks do not happen in a vacuum. They are the direct result of the language and tactics of politicians and pundits who use fear and misinformation to advance their agenda. This shameful behavior leads directly to the marginalization, ostracism, and xenophobia that fuel a culture of Islamophobia. Its time for the media and for all politicians to stop propagating the message of neo-nazis, white supremacists, and the alt-right—by refusing to give a platform to these messages of hate.

To our Muslim members, friends, and neighbours: the Alberta Federation of Labour will redouble our efforts to fight intolerance and racism of all types, particularly Islamophobia. We stand with you.